Path of Secrets

CHAPTER ONE-3

LIZZIE AND DONNY MADE a fuel and food stop in Pendleton, Oregon before continuing their trip to the southeast.

Not too long before they got to Boise, Donny looked over and asked, “Where would you like to stop for the night?’

“You mean we’re not going to attempt to drive straight through?” Lizzie remarked. “I’m glad to hear that. This isn’t exactly the world’s most comfortable seat.”

“I know, right?” Donny grinned. “Mine isn’t either. I could use a break from it. So, what do you think?”

“Boise works for me, and we’re only ten miles away,” she pointed out.

Despite the quality of the moving truck’s bucket seats, both of them were in a relaxed mood. Lizzie’s Quantico program didn’t start until December first, which gave them plenty of time to navigate the 3,388-mile journey at a comfortable pace.

“I almost forgot to tell you, we’ve been invited to Thanksgiving with the Thomas clan,” Lizzie mentioned.

“Sounds like fun! Do we need to bring anything?”

“I told Faith to let Jandy know we could cover drinks,” she answered. “I wasn’t sure about much else, given that we’re on the road.”

“Okay, so, that’s easy. We’ll stop before we get to Denton and pick up some two-liter bottles.”

“Cool,” Lizzie said. “I need to touch base with Faith anyway, so, I will confirm with her.”

Lizzie pulled out her cell and fired off a quick text. She was surprised when instead of texting back, Faith called her.

“Hey bestie, what’s up?”

“Quite a bit, but you go first. Where are you guys?”

“Just coming into Boise,” Lizzie relayed. “We’re going to stop for the night. What’s going on there?”

“Well,” Faith said, “Jandy called me earlier. It seems Thanksgiving is being moved to Nathan and Bella’s house. Jandy and Tony’s place burned down earlier today.”

“Oh no!” Lizzie gasped. “Are they all right?”

Donny shot her a concerned look and she mouthed I’ll tell you later.

“They’re fine, just upset,” Faith answered. “Sounds like they might not be able to salvage anything at all.”

“Well, we’ll be in town for a couple of days, at least, before we have to head to Virginia,” Lizzie reminded her. “So, tell Jandy that if they need any extra hands, I’m volunteering us. Do they have a place to stay?”

“They’re staying with Bella and Nathan.”

Lizzie and Faith talked for a few more minutes, and as Donny pulled into the parking lot of a hotel, Lizzie ended the call with, “I’ll reach out tomorrow, okay?”

***